The Virgil Flowers series also has many excellent novels. For example, 'Dark of the Moon' is really good. It has a great plot with interesting twists and turns, and Virgil Flowers is a very likable protagonist who gets into all sorts of adventures while solving crimes. The way Sanford writes about the Minnesota setting adds a lot to the atmosphere of the stories.
In my opinion, 'Rules of Prey' stands out as the best John Sanford novel. It was the first in the 'Prey' series. It introduced us to Lucas Davenport and his world in a really captivating way. The mystery element is top - notch, with a great balance of character development and a thrilling plot that grips you from the start.
Well - developed characters play a huge part. Take Lucas Davenport in the 'Prey' series. He has his own flaws, strengths, and a backstory that makes him feel real. His character development over the course of the series adds to the overall appeal of the novels. Also, Sanford's ability to create a vivid and believable setting, whether it's the city streets or the more rural areas in his stories, helps to draw the reader in and make the story more immersive.
One of his best is 'Broken Prey'. It has a complex plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sanford is great at creating tension in his stories, and this one is no exception. He also does a wonderful job of developing the relationships between the characters, which makes the story even more engaging.
The Prey series by John Sanford frequently features the theme of survival. The protagonist finds himself in dangerous situations while hunting down criminals. There's also the theme of morality. As he encounters different types of criminals, he has to make decisions that test his own moral boundaries. And the novels also touch on the theme of the urban environment and how it can breed crime and danger.
I think 'A Time to Kill' is also among the best. It deals with heavy themes like racism and justice in a very engaging way. The courtroom scenes are particularly well - written, and the characters are very vivid.
Some of the best John Steinbeck novels include 'The Grapes of Wrath'. It tells the story of the Joad family during the Great Depression, highlighting their struggles and the harsh realities of that era. Another great one is 'Of Mice and Men', which is a short but powerful novel about the friendship between two migrant workers, George and Lennie. 'East of Eden' is also highly regarded, exploring themes of good and evil, family, and the human condition through the complex relationships of its characters.
Another great one is 'The Book of Evidence'. It's a complex and engaging novel. Banville's masterful use of language creates a vivid and somewhat disturbing portrait of the protagonist. The story is filled with moral and psychological conundrums that keep the reader thinking long after finishing the book.
One of his best novels is 'Rabbit, Run'. It explores themes of middle - class American life, alienation, and the search for meaning. The character of Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom is complex and relatable.